"I know people who live in other parts of Sydney but grew up in Doonside who come back every year for the festival. Everyone wants to be a part of it."

The line-up of entertainment acts has been booked out but stallholders are welcome to apply.

Blacktown councillor and lifelong Doonside resident Stephen Bali has been in talks with Penrith Panthers' general manager Phil Gould for NRL players to make an appearance.

The festival has been held since the early 1980s and is the second longest running community festival in Blacktown, according to Cr Bali.

"We need to prove to the council that there's an interest in the community," he said.

"The crisis was good as more people than ever are now jumping on board. It has been very successful in the past. You can't get a more centralised location than this and there aren't many street festivals like this still around."

■ The Doonside Festival is on Saturday, July 12, 10am-4pm in Hill End Road.